Cricket: Croft a genuine all-rounder after classy century.
ROBERT Croft believes he's in his best form in years - with the bat - after he scored only the second championship hundred of his 13-year career against Gloucestershire at Sophia Gardens on Saturday, writes Rob Owen. Croft is happy to talk of himself in terms of being a genuine all rounder, a classification that has gathered some credence this summer with the England offspinner continuing his excellent one-day batting form while also contributing some significant runs in the championship.On Saturday, Croft galvanised Glamorgan's lower order as the county went in search of batting bonus points after the visit of Gloucestershire had reached stalemate, thanks to two days of rain.
In the process he recorded a collectors item, a Croft century, which was achieved from 155 balls, including 17 fours and one six.
It was a watchful knock, characterised by the fact it took him 21 balls to get off the mark, and he also profited from some half-hearted Gloucestershire bowling. But regardless of how it came about, Croft was savouring a century he believes underlines what he offers as a batsman.
``I feel I'm in the best form I've been in for years and as well as that, it's the first year for a while I haven't had any international commitments, which means I have been able to concentrate fully on performing for Glamorgan,'' said Croft.
``I must admit it felt like I've been threatening to get a hundred all season.
``It was just a case of making an opportunity count, and I've done that on Saturday.
``In the context of the match, it was pleasing to make a contribution after I hadn't done a lot with the ball.
Obviously, that's the beauty of being an all-rounder.
``Should I fail with the ball, then hopefully I can make an impression with the bat, and vice versa. Actually, I think I'm a better batsman than my record shows, and I really think that I should have made more big scores than I have so far in my career.
``As for how this championship century rates with my other one, the ton against Somerset in 1995, I think the century on Saturday was more pleasing.
``The one seven years ago was more of a swashbuckling knock on a very good wicket.
Saturday's was more of a grafting innings.''
Croft's contribution went a long way to ensuring Glamorgan took maximum bonus points, in a 12-point haul, from a match that ceased to be contest long before play resumed at 1.10pm on Saturday.
Mike Powell, who had been stranded six runs short of a second century this summer for 47 hours, duly reached three figures, and went on to make 135 before he became one of four victims for Ian Harvey. The Aussie will perhaps have greatest reason to remember the game, having struck a 72-ball century, the second fastest in the Championship this season, on Thursday.
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| Title Annotation: | Sport |
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| Publication: | South Wales Echo (Cardiff, Wales) |
| Date: | Aug 12, 2002 |
| Words: | 484 |
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